Little Colorado RiverPlateau

Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc.

A non-profit 501(c)(3), rural development organizationserving east central Arizona

RC&D Council Strategic Plan Update

The Board of Directors decided to update the Council's Strategic Plan at their August16 meeting.

The Little Colorado RC&D has aggressively addressed social, economic andenvironmental problems from a regional perspective. The only way the Little ColoradoRC&D can move forward is to assess its progress and begin focus on critical issues ofthe future. The first strategic planning session will be held September 16. You arewelcome to attend. Call the RC&D office for more details.

Project Director Hired

The Board of Directors hired Amber Hill to assist in the implementation of variousgrants funded projects. Amber is a recent graduate of NAU in accounting. We welcome Amberto the RC&D team.

Sustainable Agriculture Tour Held

The Crofford Demonstration Farm Board and the Navajo Natural Resources ConservationDistrict held a farm tour at the Crofford Demonstration Farm in Woodruff on August 29. TheCrofford Farm. Over 40 producers attended the tour coming from the Hopi Tribe and NavajoNation.

The tour at the Crofford Demonstration Farm showed producers how sustainableconservation practices appear when implemented on a farm. The tour highlighted differentvalue-added enterprises that small scale and limited resource producers can implement.Participants saw how two native grasses, Forage Kosha and Eastern Gamma Grass can beincorporated into a farm crop rotation. In cooperation with Native Seed Search variousNative American vegetables like melons, squash, and sorghum were grown. In addition participants saw, lowcost applications of drip irrigation and sub-irrigated bed irrigation systems.

The Little Colorado RC&D received from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,an EQIP Educational Assistance Grant to demonstrate sustainable agriculture at theCrofford Demonstration Farm. EQIP conservation programs correct agriculture’s impacton the environment.

RC&D Assists Forest Products Industry

The goal of the Recycled Forest Products Pilot Project is to encourage sustainablenatural resource based industry in northern Arizona by assisting existing and emergingbusinesses’ ability to adapt to a small-diameter timber products market. The projectis at the interview stage, gaining first-hand knowledge of what the industry needs toremain sustainable.

On-going efforts by the Northern Arizona Sustainable Forest Partnership (Partnership)include coordinating resources and efforts with the Blue Ridge Pilot thinning project toenhance forest health, while improving the economy of our local communities in Navajo andApache Counties.

There is also a regional effort, within the Four Corners’ area, to cooperate withworkshops and resources, which the Partnership has determined to take an active role in.

USDA Rural Development and the Arizona Department of Commerce funded this project.

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP

Again, the Little Colorado RC&D and sponsors are pleased to offer an outstandinggrantwriting workshop in Flagstaff at Little America. This workshop addresses all aspectsof successful grant writing. This workshop is limited to 30 participants so register earlyfor this quality training opportunity. Call Karen to receive more information aboutcost and registration, 520-524-6063 x204.

New Grants

The USDA Rural Development awarded a grant of $100,000 to the Southern Navajo LivestockAssociation located on the New Lands to complete construction of the sale facilities andenterprises. Also, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded a $23,000 grantto the Navajo RC&D to initiate the New Lands Ranchers Roundtable. The purpose is tofacilitate natural resources conservation and development on the New Lands.

Little Colorado River Watershed (LCR MOM) bi-monthly meetingwas hosted by the Hopi Tribe August 25 - 26. Wane Taylor, Chairman of the Hopi Tribe,announced the Hopi Tribe will contribute $20,000 to accelerate planning and implementationof projects in the watershed. The purpose is to maintain and enhance the resources of theLittle Colorado River Watershed by fostering partnerships, education and communicationamong stakeholders and facilitate local strategies and projects. The Little ColoradoRC&D administers LCR-MOM program. Additional funding comes fromNavajo and Apache Counties, and National Park Service.

Participants continued its work on a watershed plan that all stakeholders can support.Also, participants

viewed a Hopi riparian stream restoration project in Keams Canyon.

Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils Meet. Arizona Councilsmet June 18 and 19 in Casa Grande. The Hohokaum RC&D hosted the years annual conclave.The meeting focused on training council members on various aspects of nonprofitmanagement.

RC&D - "Making Things Happen"

 Newsletter

July 1998

RC&D COUNCIL SUMMER MEETING

Date & Time: Wednesday, July 15 beginning at 10A.M.

Location: La Posada Hotel in Winslow, 303 East SecondStreet

You and other community leaders are invited to attendthe Little Colorado RC&D summer meeting at historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow. Lunchis provided. The summer meeting is a time for sponsors, council members, action teams andagencies to celebrate the mid-year accomplishments of the Little Colorado RC&D.

AGENDA

Welcome & Introductions

Treasurer Report

Action Team Update

Crofford Demonstration Farm

Sustainable Forest Partnership

Heritage Trail

Little Colorado Watershed (LCR-MOM)

Board of Directors - A vision for the future of RC&D

Call to the public - address new projects or issues

Guest Speaker - Allan Affeldt, Manager La Posada

Lunch - provided

Tour of La Posada

Honor Roll

We want to give those sponsors a big THANK YOUfor paying your 1998 dues. Your support helps us "make things happen" in theLittle Colorado RC&D service area. A special thanks to: Navajo County Board ofSupervisors, Holbrook City Council, Pinetop / Lakeside Town Council, St. Johns CityCouncil, Show Low City Council, Snowflake Town Council, Springerville Town Council, TaylorTown Council Winslow City Council, Apache Conservation District, Navajo ConservationDistrict, and Northern Arizona Council of Governments.

RC&D - Making Things Happen

March 1998 Newsletter

1997 Annual Report

The Little Colorado RC&D in 1997 worked to implement itsStrategic Plan. The following highlights illustrate some of our most significantaccomplishments.

HERITAGE TOURISM WORKSHOP -- The conservation of cultural andheritage resources is one strategy to promote economic diversification in the LittleColorado River Plateau and White Mountains of Arizona. The workshop held May 16 atNorthland Pioneer College at Snowflake. Workshop topics addressed the economic benefits tocommunities, success stories from local businesses, and how entrepreneurs can build a newor existing business.

Trail of Many Tracks A Regional History of East-CentralArizona. A grant supported and funded by many partners. A regional heritagetourism approach to enhance tourism for economic diversification of east-central Arizona.A project to collect, synthesize, and disseminate a regional history of the LittleColorado River Plateau and White Mountains of Arizona. Richard Lynch, projecthistorian, is finishing a script for an audio tape cassette to be used by travelers andlocal residents to learn about the heritage of east-central Arizona. Project funding camefrom USDA Forest Service, Arizona Humanities Council, Arizona Office of Tourism, andcommunities in east-central Arizona.

Northern Arizona Sustainable Forest Partnership. In December of1996 we received a grant from the Arizona Department of Commerce, EnvironmentalProtection Agency and USDA Forest Service. This project addressed issues facingthe forest products industry and brought environmental and industry groups for a commongoal of sustainable development. The promotion of ecology based forestry initiatives topromote the overall health of the forests while providing sustainable employment. TheAction Team leader is Bill Greenwood from Eagar.

Marketing Soil Survey Interpretations. A grant awarded to the ArizonaRC&D Coalition from the Natural Resource Conservation Servicefor the purpose of marketing soil survey data to communities.

GRANT WRITING and Grant Management WORKSHOPs. Again the LittleColorado RC&D and sponsors offered an outstanding Grants Writing Workshop inApril and Grants Management in October.. These workshops addresses all aspects ofsuccessful grantsmanship. All together 65 participants received training.

Little Colorado River Watershed Multi Objective Management WATERSHED(LCR MOM) In April the community leaders, State and Federal agencies joined togetherto convene the LCR MOM. Its purpose focused on solving environmental, social and economicproblems on a watershed basis. A problem may affect one community while the solutionrequires several communities and agencies to work together. The consensus of theconference participants was to use the Little Colorado RC&D as an umbrellaorganization to establish collaboration with various entities in the watershed. JimBoles was selected as Chairperson and Chuck Williams as Co-chairperson. Severalworking committees and leaders were organized. Data Inventory, Joe Smith;Education, Lillian Scala; Stakeholder Outreach, Marty Moore; Projects, BillWerner; Atmospheric Modification, Gordon Henrie; Process & Funding, SpikeSimmons. The Little Colorado RC&D will provide administrative and organizationalsupport.

CROFFORD FARM BOARD. The Farm Board selected Jim Olson asthe Action Team Leader. Jim serves Farm Manager at the Seventh Day Adventist IndianSchool. A grant request has been submitted to Natural Resources Conservation Service toimplement a small scale limited resource producer outreach and education assistanceproject.

RC&D - Making Things Happen

1998 Projects

Board of Directors

GRANT WRITING 98. 999-187 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to train 30 people in grant writing skills. Scheduled for June 1 - 4, 1998 in Phoenix. Co-sponsored by Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils. The workshop is targeted at building the grantwriting capacity of rural leaders in Arizona.

GRANT SEARCH WORKSHOP. 999-189 (IMPLEMENTATION) A workshop to promote the use of the "Holbrook Grants Collection"; a library of resource books on sources of grant funds.

MARKETING SOIL SURVEY INTERPRETATIONS. 999-177 (IMPLEMENTATION) An Arizona RC&D Coalition project in cooperation with Little Colorado RC&D. This project will develop a marketing strategy to promote NRCS Soil Survey data for community applications. The Arizona RC&D Coalition received a $10,000 grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

RC&D CAPACITY BUILDING 98. 999-189 (PLANNING) An Arizona RC&D Coalition project in cooperation with Little Colorado RC&D. This project will develop the capacity of Little Colorado RC&D to improve its performance as an effective rural development organization. The Little Colorado RC&D will receive a $5,000 grant from the AZ RC&D Coalition.

NAVAJO WOOL EDUCATION. 999-184 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to improve management of clipping and handling of wool and mohair on the Navajo Nation. In cooperation with Navajo RC&D.

BUILDING EFFECTIVE BOARDS. 999-188 (PLANNING) Strengthen to capacity of organizations to become effective and sustain their mission. The project is in cooperation with the AZ Coalition of RC&D Councils.

SCHOLARSHIPS. 999-192 (CONCEPT) Provide scholarships to college bound students with an interest in natural resources.

SUSTAINABLE FOREST PARTNERSHIP

NORTHERN ARIZONA SUSTAINABLE FOREST PARTNERSHIP. 999-170 ( IMPLEMENTATION) A partnership of stakeholders with an interest in forests in Northern Arizona. The partnership promotes ecological based forest initiatives which will serve to promote sustainable forest health, employment and provide opportunities for economic diversification. The project is funded from grants from the Forest Service and Arizona Department of Commerce amounting to $62,000.

RECYCLED FOREST PRODUCTS. 999-191 (IMPLEMENTATION) This initiative will introduce new commercial products that utilize small diameter timber and previously under-utilized forest resources at two currently closed mill sites. Collaborating are Heber Economic Development, the City of Fredonia, and Arizona Dept. of Commerce. Funding comes from Arizona Dept. of Commerce, $21,200; and USDA Rural Development, $99,900.

CROFFORD DEMONSTRATION FARM

CROFFORD FARM: BAT CONSERVATION. 999-178 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to promote the conservation on bats in Northern Arizona regarding the importance of bats to agriculture and the ecosystem; and to increase the number of available bat roosts on private land by providing bat houses to private land owners. Partners include US Fish & Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish, Navajo Natural Resource Conservation Dist. and Bat Conservation International, Inc.

CROFFORD FARM: EQIP. 999-194 (IMPLEMENTATION) The purpose of this project is to reach 750 small scale and limited resource producers in Navajo and Apache Counties, over a four year period. Success occurs when producers not accustomed to using USDA conservation programs participate.

CROFFORD FARM: SARE, 1998 FARMER / RANCHER RESEARCH GRANT. 999-200. (PLANNING) A project to use subsurface automatic irrigation to maximize production in small space gardens.

 

HERITAGE ACTION TEAM

REGIONAL HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA, PHASE 2: 999-171 (IMPLEMENTATION) A regional heritage tourism approach to enhance tourism for economic diversification of timber dependent communities adjacent to Apache - Sitgreaves National Forest. The project will collect, synthesize, and disseminate a regional history of the Little Colorado River Plateau and White Mountains of Arizona. Richard Lynch, a historian, will research and write the history of the region.

REGIONAL HISTORY, PHASE 3: PRODUCE AUDIO TAPE CASSETTE. 999-189 (CONCEPT) Produce and market an audio tape cassette distributed to tourists and residents of the region. Estimated cost of $20,000.

REGIONAL HISTORY, PHASE 4: INTERNET MARKET. 999-190 (CONCEPT) Use the internet to market the "Trail of Many Tracks". Estimated cost $5,000.

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER MULTIPLE OBJECTIVE MANAGEMENT

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER WATERSHED COORDINATION. 999-182 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to coordinate the needs of the Little Colorado River Plateau communities and State, Federal and other organizations to protect and conserve the resources of the river basin.

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

ST. JOHNS WATERSHED ACTION TEAM. 999-169 (PLANNING) Established a core group to bring together an Action Team to address excess water problems in the community.

SHOWLOW CREEK WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT. 999-160 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to plan improvements to Show Low Creek Watershed that improves agriculture and recreation opportunities. The Action Team includes irrigation districts, home owners associations, environmental groups and city governments.

HOLBROOK WILDLIFE RESTORATION. 999-197 (CONCEPT) Explore the possibility to establish a wildlife habitat improvement along the Little Colorado River in Holbrook.

NEWSLETTER

Feburary 1998

COUNCIL HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING on Feburary 4 at St. Johns CityHall. The 15 sponsors elected the Board of Directors for 1998. Jesse Thompson,Navajo County Supervisor, was elected as President; Helen Crofford, Navajo CountyConservation District was elected Vice-President; Bill Prentice from the City ofSt. Johns, as Secretary; Spike Simmons, City Councilman from Holbrook, as Treasurerand Hews Wiltbank, from Eagar, as Director,. The Board of Directors will select twodirectors at large at their meeting Feburary 23, in Holbrook. The Council approved abudget amounting to $414,816 that includes funds from grants, services provided, sponsordues and in-kind contributions. The Council adopted a 1998 Annual Plan of Work. The LittleColorado RC&D Action Team Leaders gave progress reports. Jane Stevenson, fromthe Arizona Community Foundation, discussed grant programs and community affiliatefoundations. For more information call the RC&D office. The Board of Directorsmeetings are open to the public, call for time and location.

Western RC&D Association Meets. Three Council Membersrepresenting the Little Colorado RC&D attended the Western RC&D Associationconference in Omaha, Nebraska in January. Sherri Hill presented the success storyabout the Little Colorado River Watershed Multi-objective Management initiative. JesseThompson presented a paper about the Little Colorado RC&D Partnerships with USDAAgencies. Both presentations were well received. Leland Dayzie and Merlin Bergalso attended. The Little Colorado RC&D is a member of the Western RC&DAssociation. The Association promotes the interest of the 90 RC&D Councils in theWest.

Little Colorado RC&D Builds Partnerships With USDA Agencies. TheLittle Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (LittleColorado RC&D) tries to leverage its influence through partnership with others thatbuilds sustainable communities in east-central Arizona. Since 1993 the Little ColoradoRC&D partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development andForest Service through the use of grants -- we call that seed money. The Little ColoradoRC&D leveraged funds from other state, federal and foundations to integrate economic,environmental and social considerations for community building. Projects have focused onsustainable agriculture, heritage tourism, forest health, employment and provideopportunities for economic diversification in a natural resource based economy. The LittleColorado RC&D has moved beyond the limits of narrow jurisdictions to adopt innovativesolutions that builds communities and implements the Little Colorado RC&DCouncil’s strategic plan in east-central Arizona. The Little Colorado RC&D hasreceived from three USDA agencies $519,500 in grants. The Little Colorado RC&D hasprovided matching funds totaling $601,500 from state, local and other sources. The totalfrom all funds amounts to $1,122,000.

Grant Search Workshop held January 17, at the Northland PioneerCollege Painted Desert Learning Resource Center, attracted 39 participants. Participantsdevelop skills to complete a systematic funding search using the "Holbrook GrantsCollection", a collection of funding source reference materials. Another workshop isplanned for the spring. Workshop hosts included Northland Pioneer College, the City ofHolbrook, and Little Colorado RC&D. A special thanks to Brian McClain and MerlinBerg for presenting.

USDA Rural Development awards $99,900 Forest Recycling grant. Aproject of the Sustainable Forest Partnership. This project provides technical assistanceto utilize small diameter trees to establish a value-added fireplace log industry in Heberand Fredonia. We thank USDA Rural Development State Director, Alan Stephens, forhis support. This grant matches a grant received from Arizona Department of Commerceannounced last month. The Board of Directors thanks Projects Wests, Phil Downing,and Arizona Dept. of Commerce, Greg Fisher, for their assistance.

Arizona Community Foundation Rural Grant Program. Grants are availablefor rural areas. A Workshop will be held, to assist you in completing applications, inFlagstaff, on March 5, from 9 A.M.-10:30 A.M. If you would like to attend this workshop,or would like more information please call, Alice McKinney at 1-800-222-8221.

1998 Projects

Board of Directors

GRANT WRITING 98. 999-187 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to train 30 people in grant writing skills. Scheduled for June 1-4, 1998 in Phoenix. Co-sponsored by Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils. The workshop is targeted at building the grantwriting capacity of rural leaders in Arizona.

GRANT SEARCH WORKSHOP. 999-189 (IMPLEMENTATION) A workshop to promote the use of the "Holbrook Grants Collection"; a library of resource books on sources of grant funds.

MARKETING SOIL SURVEY INTERPRETATIONS. 999-177 (IMPLEMENTATION) An Arizona RC&D Coalition project in cooperation with Little Colorado RC&D. This project will develop a marketing strategy to promote NRCS Soil Survey data for community applications. The Arizona RC&D Coalition received a $10,000 grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

RC&D CAPACITY BUILDING 98. 999-189 (PLANNING) An Arizona RC&D Coalition project in cooperation with Little Colorado RC&D. This project will develop the capacity of Little Colorado RC&D to improve its performance as an effective rural development organization. The Little Colorado RC&D will receive a $5,000 grant from the AZ RC&D Coalition.

NAVAJO WOOL EDUCATION. 999-184 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to improve management of clipping and handling of wool and mohair on the Navajo Nation. In cooperation with Navajo RC&D.

BUILDING EFFECTIVE BOARDS. 999-188 (PLANNING) Strengthen to capacity of organizations to become effective and sustain their mission. The project is in cooperation with the AZ Coalition of RC&D Councils.

SCHOLARSHIPS. 999-192 (CONCEPT) Provide scholarships to college bound students with an interest in natural resources.

SUSTAINABLE FOREST PARTNERSHIP

NORTHERN ARIZONA SUSTAINABLE FOREST PARTNERSHIP. 999-170 ( IMPLEMENTATION) A partnership of stakeholders with an interest in forests in Northern Arizona. The partnership promotes ecological based forest initiatives which will serve to promote sustainable forest health, employment and provide opportunities for economic diversification. The project is funded from grants from the Forest Service and Arizona Department of Commerce amounting to $62,000.

RECYCLED FOREST PRODUCTS. 999-191 (IMPLEMENTATION) This initiative will introduce new commercial products that utilize small diameter timber and previously under-utilized forest resources at two currently closed mill sites. Collaborating are Heber Economic Development, the City of Fredonia, and Arizona Dept. of Commerce. Funding comes from Arizona Dept. of Commerce, $21,200; and USDA Rural Development, $99,900.

CROFFORD DEMONSTRATION FARM

CROFFORD FARM: BAT CONSERVATION. 999-178 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to promote the conservation on bats in Northern Arizona regarding the importance of bats to agriculture and the ecosystem; and to increase the number of available bat roosts on private land by providing bat houses to private land owners. Partners include US Fish & Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish, Navajo Natural Resource Conservation Dist. and Bat Conservation International, Inc.

CROFFORD FARM: EQIP. 999-194 (IMPLEMENTATION) The purpose of this project is to reach 750 small scale and limited resource producers in Navajo and Apache Counties, over a four year period. Success occurs when producers not accustomed to using USDA conservation programs participate.

CROFFORD FARM: SARE, 1998 FARMER / RANCHER RESEARCH GRANT. 999-200. (PLANNING) A project to use subsurface automatic irrigation to maximize production in small space gardens.

 

HERITAGE ACTION TEAM

REGIONAL HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA, PHASE 2: 999-171 (IMPLEMENTATION) A regional heritage tourism approach to enhance tourism for economic diversification of timber dependent communities adjacent to Apache - Sitgreaves National Forest. The project will collect, synthesize, and disseminate a regional history of the Little Colorado River Plateau and White Mountains of Arizona. Richard Lynch, a historian, will research and write the history of the region.

REGIONAL HISTORY, PHASE 3: PRODUCE AUDIO TAPE CASSETTE. 999-189 (CONCEPT) Produce and market an audio tape cassette distributed to tourists and residents of the region. Estimated cost of $20,000.

REGIONAL HISTORY, PHASE 4: INTERNET MARKET. 999-190 (CONCEPT) Use the internet to market the "Trail of Many Tracks". Estimated cost $5,000.

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER MULTIPLE OBJECTIVE MANAGEMENT

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER WATERSHED COORDINATION. 999-182 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to coordinate the needs of the Little Colorado River Plateau communities and State, Federal and other organizations to protect and conserve the resources of the river basin.

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

ST. JOHNS WATERSHED ACTION TEAM. 999-169 (PLANNING) Established a core group to bring together an Action Team to address excess water problems in the community.

SHOWLOW CREEK WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT. 999-160 (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to plan improvements to Show Low Creek Watershed that improves agriculture and recreation opportunities. The Action Team includes irrigation districts, home owners associations, environmental groups and city governments.

HOLBROOK WILDLIFE RESTORATION. 999-197 (CONCEPT) Explore the possibility to establish a wildlife habitat improvement along the Little Colorado River in Holbrook.

---

NEWSLETTER

December 1997

Little Colorado RC&DAnnual Meeting

Feburary 4, 1998 beginning at 10 A.M.

St. Johns City Hall

245 West 1st. , St. Johns

All Sponsors, Council Members, Action Team Members andothers are invited to attend.

Lunch provided

PLEASE RSVP 520-524-6063 x 204

ANNUAL MEETING SET. Once again the Little Colorado River PlateauRC&D Council will hold its annual meeting. Jane Stevenson, Director of RuralArizona Projects from the Arizona Community Foundation is our guest speaker. Ms. Stevensonwill address current foundation initiatives and how they may benefit east-central Arizona.Major items of business include; election of officers, approving the annual plan of workand budget. Action Teams will report on last years success. Circle your calendar and planto attend. Any Council Member wanting to serve on the Board of Directors contact theRC&D office; a member of the nominating committee will contact you. Any Sponsor thatwish to initiate a project with RC&D assistance, contact Merlin Berg, Coordinator atthe RC&D office. The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be January 7, at 10A.M. You are invited.

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER WATERSHED COORDINATING TEAM. On November 13& 14 the Little Colorado River Watershed Workshop II was held at Northland PioneerCollege in Holbrook. Attending the workshop included representatives from local and tribalgovernment, private enterprise, State and Federal agencies. Over 75 participantscontributed to the workshop. The workshop goals included: benefits of watershed planning,confirm local support, elements of community-based planning, and prioritize issues. OnDecember 19 the Coordinating Team met in Winslow. Jim Boles was selected asChairperson and Chuck Williams as Co-chairperson. Several working committees andleaders were organized. Data Inventory, Joe Smith; Education, Lillian Scala;Stakeholder Outreach, Marty Moore; Projects, Bill Werner; AtmosphericModification, Gordon Henrie; Process & Funding, Spike Simmons. TheLittle Colorado RC&D will provide administrative and organizational support. The nextCoordinating Team meeting will meet in Gallup, New Mexico, Feburary 25.

Sustainable Forestry Partnership. On Saturday, November 1 thePartnership in cooperation with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest conducted an urbanand wildland interface tour in Pinetop. The tour saw areas that needed thinning and areasthat have been thinned. The purpose is to protect homes from fire damage. A thank you to JohnBedell, Superintendent of the Apache-Sitgraves National Forest, and his staff fororganizing the tour.

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE awarded a grant amounting to$21,200 to the Little Colorado RC&D to assist in re-opening saw mills that have beenclosed in Fredonia and Heber. The project will provide technical assistance to identifynew types of forest products for commercialization, identify capital resources, developmarkets and promote the region as a prime location for small and emerging enterprises. Abig thank you to Greg Fisher at Commerce.

grant management workshop. The Grant Management Workshop held inOctober was a huge success. Thirty-five participants increased their ability tosuccessfully manage grant funded projects. A grant writing workshop will be held nextJune.

CROFFORD FARM BOARD. The Farm Board met in October and selected JimOlson as the Action Team Leader. Jim serves Farm Manager at the Seventh Day AdventistIndian School. A grant request has been submitted to Natural Resources ConservationService to implement a small scale limited resource producer outreach and educationassistance project.

RC&D - Making Things Happen

Dr. Richard Mirth; NAU College of Engineering & Technology, attendeda conference at the Forest Service Research Laboratory in Madison Wisconsin to present hisrecently completed study on forest resources in Northern Arizona. Dr. Mirth had theopportunity to discuss forest policy issues with USDA officials and White House staff.

NEWSLETTER

July 1997

Summer Council Meeting. A good time was hadfor all those attending the the BBQ at the summer Council meeting . Mike Somerville,State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, spoke to theCouncil about the importance of a healthy natural resource base to support a healthy ruraleconomy. Action Team members updated the Council on accomplishments to celebrate thepartnership. Because the Navajo RC&D was approved in February the boundaries of allthe RC&D Councils will be realigned. The Council agreed the Little Colorado RC&Dshould take in the rim country of Gila and Greenlee Counties. Also, the RC&D sponsorsaffected should be consulted. Council members, sponsors, advisors and the general publicare invited to all Board of Directors meetings.

Arizona Office of Tourism. Thanks for the additional $3,888 ingrant funds to support the Trail of Many Tracks to promote heritage tourismin east central Arizona. Richard Lynch, project historian, is now writing thescript for the audio tape cassette that describes the history of the region. The purposeof the Trail of Many Tracks is to heighten the awareness of heritage resources by localcitizens and travelers in east central Arizona.

Grass Roots Planning Effort Focuses on Little Colorado River Basin.The Little Colorado River Basin encompassing nearly 30,000 square miles in Arizona andNew Mexico, is the focus of a collaborative, community based planning effort. The planningwill address the river basin’s natural resource and hazard concerns in amulti-objective action plan. It will involve communities and citizens across the riverbasin including towns and counties in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. An outreachteam will be meeting with community leaders to explain the process and gain support basinwide.

Wool Study Completed. The Four Corners Rural TechnologyPartnership Project has been completed. A summary copy of the report is available bycalling the Little Colorado RC&D office. The three volume study is available forreview. This project was funded by a grant from Arizona, USDA Rural Development. Ourthanks goes to Alan Stephens, State Director.

Sustainable Forestry Partnership. Northern Arizona University,College of Engineering and Technology, prepared by Dr. Richard Mirth and Dr. Debra Larsonjust completed two studies. Potential for Using Small Diameter Ponderosa Pine Resourcesin Arizona (A Feasibility Study), and Feasibility of Producing Commercial Productsfor Pinon-Juniper Woodlands. Copies of this study are available from the RC&Doffice.

Internet Home Page. All web surfers can receive updates on LittleColorado RC&D projects on our web page. Our address is www.cybertrails.com/lcrcdand E-mail at lcrcd@cybertrails.com . We continue to make updates to thehome page. Call us if you would like us to link your home page.

Grant management workshop scheduled for October 20 - 23. Workshop participantslearn crucial steps in grants management and learn how to meet the grant requirements ofgovernment, and foundation funders. They learn to avoid common pitfalls in grantsmanagement and learn an array of troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques thatassist project management. These workshops are offered to our sponsors to improve theircapacity to receive and manage additional resources. Call Karen to receive moreinformation about cost and registration.

"There are three kinds of groups: Those which makethings happen; those which wait for things to happen; and those which wonder whathappened".

NEWSLETTER

April 1997

Board of Directors met April 14. Keith Ryder; President, presided. TheCouncil reviewed progress on active grants. Agreed to purchase liability and directors andofficers insurance. Action taken to have Helen Crofford and Leland Dayzie attend theNational RC&D Conference in June in St. Paul, Minnesota. Keith Ryder and JesseThompson are planning to attend. A joint meeting is scheduled between the Navajo andLittle Colorado RC&D’s at Steamboat Chapter House May 13. All Council members areinvited. Complete minutes of the Board of Directors meeting are available upon request.

HERITAGE TOURISM WORKSHOP Can Heritage Tourism build wealth while protecting ourrural lifestyle? To track down the facts, make tracks to the Regional Heritage TourismWorkshop on Friday, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Northland Pioneer College,Silver Creek Campus, in Snowflake, Arizona. Workshop topics will address the economicbenefits to communities, success stories from local businesses, and how entrepreneurs canbuild a new or existing business. Registration is $25. Call the RC&D office for moredetails 520-524-6063.

LITTLE COLORADO WATERSHED CONFERENCE. On April 24 - 25 community leaders, Stateand Federal agencies joined together to convene the Little Colorado River PlateauWatershed. Its purpose focused on solving environmental, social and economic problems on awatershed basis. A problem may affect one community while the solution requires severalcommunities and agencies to work together. The consensus of the conference participantswas to use the Little Colorado RC&D as an umbrella organization to establishcollaboration with various entities in the watershed. An Action Team was formed withChuck Williams as Action Team leader. The Action Team will publish and distribute aconference report and press release. We would like to here from you about issues andconcerns. Perhaps you would like to participate on the Action Team?

Sustainable Forestry Partnership grant received. John Bedell, ForestSupervisor of the Apache - Sitgreaves National Forest awarded the Little Colorado RC&Da $30,000 grant. Thanks John! The Arizona Department of Commerce and EnvironmentalProtection Agency have also funded this project. An application has beensubmitted to Alan Stephens; State Director for USDA Rural Development. Weappreciate your letters of support you have submitted to Rural Development in support ofthis initiative.

The purpose of this project is to develop a strategy --culminating in a system todevelop and coordinate projects that facilitate healthy forest ecosystems. At the sametime develop a sustainable fiber (timber) industry cluster in Northern Arizona. This willbe accomplished as a result of the organization’s efforts to define resources,coordinate initiatives, reach consensus, leverage capital resources, and market andpromote the region as a prime location for small and emerging natural resourceenterprises based on sustainable ecological principles.

CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT. Recently we received a grant for $2,300 from the ArizonaCoalition of RC&D Councils and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Itspurpose is to support the Little Colorado RC&D capacity building activities. A specialthanks to Mike Somerville, State Conservationist.

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP Completed. Again the Little Colorado RC&D andsponsors completed its fourth consecutive grant writing workshop in Flagstaff April 14-17, 1997. We have hosted this workshop since 1993. A total of 124 grant writers hascompleted this workshop. This workshop addresses all aspects of successful grant writing.

grant management workshop is scheduled for October 20 - 23. Workshopparticipants learn crucial steps in grants management and learn how to meet the grantrequirements of government, and foundation funders. They learn to avoid common pitfalls ingrants management and learn an array of troubleshooting and problem-solving techniquesthat assist project management. These workshops are offered to our sponsor to improvetheir capacity to receive and manage additional resources. Call Karen to receivemore information about cost and registration.

CROFFORD DEMONSTRATION FARM. The Crofford Farm Board is planning a sustainableagriculture project that will be carried out over the next two years. More to come later.

HONOR ROLL. We want to give those sponsors a big THANK YOU forpaying your 1997 dues. Your support helps us "make things happen" in the LittleColorado RC&D service area.

Apache County

Eagar Town Council

Holbrook City Council

Pinetop / Lakeside Town Council

Show Low City Council

Snowflake Town Council

Taylor Town Council

Navajo Natural Resource Conservation District

Apache Natural Resource Conservation District

Northern Arizona Council of Governments

 

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS. Schedule subject to change, call the RC&DOffice to confirm dates (520-524-6063):

Heritage Trail Action Team May 30 LDS Social Hall, Snowflake

Crofford Farm Board May 8 Crofford Farm at Woodruff

Joint Meeting with Navajo RC&D, May 14 Steamboat Chapter

Heritage Trail Workshop May 16 Northland Pioneer College, Snowflake

Board of Directors May 21 Holbrook, RC&D Office

Little Colorado Watershed Action Team June 5 Winslow

National RC&D Conference June 15 -18 St. Paul, Minnesota

Little Colorado Watershed Action Team June 18 Eagar, (location to be announced)

RC&D Council Summer Meeting & Bar B Que July 16 Crofford Demonstration Farm, Woodruff

 

 

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: TAKING PROJECTS FROM CONCEPTION TOCOMPLETION

Community needs require community action. Citizen volunteers taking on communityprojects improve the quality of life in their communities. This model shows how volunteersin the Little Colorado RC&D take projects from conception to completion. Allprojects progress through a systematic sequence of steps before completion. This processdescribes steps needed for a project to move from conception to completion.

CONCEPT. The concept initiates project activity. The concept sparks innovationto solve a community issue. An issue is a problem or opportunity that challenges acommunity or organization. Typically an issue addresses social, economic or environmentalneeds of the community and region. To convince others your idea has merit and worthy ofothers support, the initiator prepares a brief concept paper describing the project idea.The initiator then searches out support for the idea from opinion leaders and decisionmakers. This is the first step to adopt a project by the Little Colorado RC&D.

ACTION TEAM ORGANIZING. Community leaders along with stakeholders organize anAction Team to actively address community issues. Leaders with diverse backgrounds jointogether to collaborate. At least one common issues binds an Action Team together. Theinitiator can be a catalyst to frame the issue and initiate organized action. A core groupmade-up of the initiator and key community leaders develops a list of potentialstakeholders with diverse backgrounds, interests, and leadership. The core group bringsall stakeholders together to establish the Action Team. The Action Team defines the issuesand establishes its operating guidelines. Once organized the Action Team can develop astrategic plan to guide its future.

PLANNING. Planning is fundamental to successful implementation of projects from conceptionto completion. Planning is the systematic problem solving process to determine thebest approach to solve a problem or take advantage of an opportunity. The plan then guidesthe Action Team to implement the project. The Action Team uses a basic nine steps planningprocess. The process integrates social, economical and environmental issues to meetcommunity needs. This approach, which emphasized desired future conditions, will improvesustainability of communities, minimize conflict and address problems and opportunities. Based on sound planning a good funding proposal is prepared.

PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT. The purpose of the proposal development is to convince afunder a project is worthy of their support. A proposal brings together the need for theproject, and a sound rationale for the approach. Also, a proposal documents theorganization’s capability to implement the project and justify the project budget.Many projects fail because this is where most organizations want to begin by preparing aproposal to receive grant funds.

IMPLEMENTATION. Implementation is the central focus of projects. The Action Teamvision becomes a reality. Implementation is how citizens "make things happen."Projects exist to yield products, results or outcomes. The project staff and Action Teamimplement start-up, operations, and close out. In most instances the Little ColoradoRC&D has a contractual arrangement with the funder. Successful implementation of wellorganized and planned projects are key to successful implementation.

NEWSLETTER

February 1997

Council Annual Meeting -- January 22 the Council met in Show Lowto elect a Board of Directors, approve its 1997 budget and annual Plan of Work. TheRC&D Sponsors elected a Board of Directors that includes: Keith Ryder,President; Jesse Thompson, Vice President; JoAn Washburn,Secretary; Spike Simmons, Treasurer; and Helen Crofford,Director. The Board elected Leland Dayzie to one of the two directors positionsauthorized in the by-laws. You may request a copy of the 1997 Annual Plan of Workby calling the RC&D office.

Board of Directors To Meet -- The Board of Directors meets April16, at 1 PM at the RC&D office in Holbrook. The Board plans to meet monthlythrough August on the third Wednesday of the month. Sponsors and Council Members arewelcome. Call Karen if you want an agenda, 520-524-6063.

HERITAGE TOURISM WORKSHOP -- The conservation of cultural andheritage resources is one strategy to promote economic diversification in the LittleColorado River Plateau and White Mountains of Arizona. The workshop is planned for May 16 at Northland PioneerCollege at Snowflake. Workshop topics will address the economic benefits to communities,success stories from local businesses, and how entrepreneurs can build a new or existingbusiness. Early registration is $25. Call the RC&D office for more details.

New Grants -- Northern Arizona Sustainable Forest Partnership. InDecember we received a grant from the Arizona Department of Commerce and EnvironmentalProtection Agency. This project will deal with the issues facing the forestproducts industry and will seek to unite environmental and industry groups for a commongoal. The promotion of ecology based forestry initiatives to promote the overall health ofthe forests while providing sustainable employment. We requested additional funding fromthe Forest Service and Rural Development.

Marketing Soil Survey Interpretations. A grant awarded to the ArizonaRC&D Coalition from the Natural Resource Conservation Servicefor the purpose of marketing soil survey data to communities.

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP SCHEDULED -- Again the Little ColoradoRC&D and sponsors are pleased to offer an outstanding grantwriting workshop inFlagstaff April 14 -17, 1997. This workshop addresses all aspects of successfulgrant writing. This workshop has filled; as expected, with 30 participants in early March.A grant management workshop is scheduled for October. Call Karen to receive moreinformation about cost and registration.

Little Colorado River Plateau

Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc.

A non-profit 501(c)(3), rural development organization serving eastcentral Arizona

NEWSLETTER

December 96

Phone: 520-524-6063, Fax 520-524-6609, E-mail lcrcd @ cybertrails.com

Council Annual Meeting January 22 -- Plan to attend the next Council meeting at Shafferys’(formerly Paint Pony) at 571 Deuce of Clubs, Show Low. The meeting starts at 10 A.M. Theagenda includes election of the Board of Directors, approving the 1997 budget,adopting the 1997 Plan of Work and luncheon speaker. Circle this date onyour calendar right now. Since we plan to host lunch please call Karen at theRC&D office to RSVP. Plan to attend this very important meeting.

Navajo RC&D Approved -- The Navajo Nation approved the application toestablish the Navajo RC&D. We have worked on this project for the last four years.Efforts are now being made to receive funding for Arizona’s newest RC&D. This newRC&D Council is led by Robert AhKeah, Thomas Begay, and Tom Dodge. Wallace Tsosie hasbeen designated acting Coordinator. Because of the efforts of the Navajo Soil and WaterConservation Districts and Elizabeth Washburn, of the Navajo Department ofAgriculture the Navajo RC&D application would not have been approved. A specialthanks to Lee Bigwater for his leadership.

Little Colorado RC&D is on the NET! -- Going on the net has been anexperience for us all. Our address is www.cybertrails.com/lcrcd ... Check us out.We plan to add more.

AmeriCorps "Gets Things Done". -- The purpose of AmeriCorps is to"get things done" using the concept of national service as the vehicle. Itoffers opportunities to all Americans to serve their country and earn education awards inreturn. It is a grassroots effort to solve the problems facing communities across theNation. The eight AmeriCorps members assigned to the Little Colorado RC&D by USDANatural Resource Conservation Service have achieved these goals in northeast Arizona.

AmeriCorps members have completed their assignments for 1996, except for SloanShockley. The new program for 1997 is still on hold. It’s unfortunate sinceAmeriCorps has served our communities with enthusiasm and dedication. AmeriCorps members MarciaDelany, Randy Sarraglio, Sloan Shockley and Sharon Warnaca brought the CroffordDemonstration Farm to a productive demonstration of sustainable agriculture. Over 300visitors came to the farm this year. Some of the youngest visitors experienced agriculturefor the first time. Then brought their parents back for a second look!

AmeriCorps members Brad Rishel, Kim Wolin, and Ed Jones made notableachievements to assist Navajo citizens add value to sheep products, plan communities andorganize marketing cooperatives. Sharon Warnaca recorded oral histories from longtime residents to preserve our heritage. Eric Spilde help bring divergent groupstogether on the Show low Creek Watershed to resolve prolonged water resource issues. AmeriCorpsgets things done !!!

Nomination Committee Needs Your Help -- The nominations committee is looking forsome good people to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors. Ken Kube our Treasurehas decided not to run again. Call a nomination committee member if you would like aposition on the Board of Directors. Committee member’s include: Keith Ryder @520-688-2456; Bill Barris @ 520-289-2422, Roxanne Knight @ 520-333-4323 and LelandDayzie @ 520-524-4116.

Board of Directors Meeting -- The Board of Directors meets December 18, at 1 PMat the RC&D office in Holbrook. Everyone is invited. Call Karen if you want anagenda, 520-524-6063.

New Grants -- Since July we have received several new grants:

A Regional History of East-Central Arizona. A grant supported and funded by many partners. A regional heritage tourism approach to enhance tourism for economic diversification of timber dependent communities adjacent to Apache - Sitgreaves National Forest. A project to collect, synthesize, and disseminate a regional history of the Little Colorado River Plateau and White Mountains of Arizona.

Funders include:

USDA Forest Service, Apache - Sitgreaves National Forest granted $15,000.

Arizona Humanities Council granted $3,000.

City of Winslow granted $500.

Town of Eagar granted $500.

Town of Snowflake granted $500.

Town of Taylor granted $500.

Heritage Foundation of Snowflake granted $100.

 

A thank you for your generous support.

 

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP SCHEDULED -- Again the Little Colorado RC&D andsponsors are pleased to offer an outstanding grantwriting workshop in Flagstaff

April 14 -17, 1997. This workshop addresses all aspects of successful grantwriting. Call the RC&D office for more information.

Revised Newsletter Format. -- We thought we would try something new with thenewsletter this quarter. The traditional tabloid format we have used the last couple ofyears needed a change. However, the annual report will be in the traditional format. Letus know what you think.

NEW PROJECTS FOR 97 -- Sponsors and organization wanting the Little ColoradoRC&D to adopt projects need to act now. Contact the RC&D office and talk to MerlinBerg, RC&D Coordinator, 520-524-6063. Projects can be adopted by the Council atany time. Your issues and concerns are important so let us know how we may be ofassistance.

CURRENT PROJECTS -- Active projects adopted by the Council include and theresponsible Action Team :

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

GRANT WRITING 97. (IMPLEMENTATION) A project to train 30 people in grant writing skills. Scheduled for April 14 - 17, 1997 in Flagstaff. Co-sponsored by Northern Arizona Council of Government, and Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils. One scholarship to be awarded to an individual associated with organizations serving people with disabilities. Funded with a gift from Resourceful Women of San Francisco. Registration is being taken now.

GRANT MANAGEMENT 97. (IMPLEMENTATION) A workshop to train 35 people to administrate grant-funded project. Scheduled for October 20 - 23, 1997. Co-sponsored by Northern Arizona Council of Government, Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils. Workshop presented by Community Systems.

RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE. (IMPLEMENTATION) Assist low and moderate income citizens to apply for Rural Economic and Community Development Service housing loans. Currently 39 loan packages have been submitted to USDA Rural Development.

AMERICORPS: TEAM USDA 96. (IMPLEMENTATION) An AmeriCorps Team comprised of eight members is clustered in Holbrook. AmeriCorps members serve communities by assisting communities in training community members how to take projects from conception.

AMERICORPS: TEAM USDA 97. (PLANNING) Project on hold for 1997 until funds are released.

 

CRAWFORD DEMONSTRATION FARM`

CRAWFORD DEMONSTRATION FARM OPERATIONS. (IMPLEMENTATION) The farm demonstrates sustainable agriculture. This is an ongoing project.

Crofford DEMONSTRATION FARM: NRCS GRANT. (COMPLETED) Received a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for $1500 grant for operation of the farm.

HERITAGE ACTION TEAM

REGIONAL HISTORY: MINI GRANT. (COMPLETED) A grant from the Arizona Humanities Council to conduct research and write a history of central Arizona, prepare a script for an audio cassette to complement the Trail of Many Tracks. AmeriCorps member has conducted oral interviews and other research.

REGIONAL HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA, PHASE 2. (IMPLEMENTATION) See article on new grants.

NAVAJO RC&D COMMITTEE

NAVAJO RC&D APPLICATION. (PLANNING) An application submitted and approved by Navajo Nation Resources Committee and other committees. The Navajo Nation’s, President Hale will request Secretary of Agriculture to approved the RC&D application now.

FOUR CORNERS RURAL TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP. (IMPLEMENTATION) A public -- private partnership effort to revitalize the sheep industry and create the infrastructure necessary to support small emerging industry on and off reservations. The partnership is made up of organizations and individuals with a stake in the sheep industry. The partnership will guide the direction of this emerging industry. The Partnership is working to privatize to Navajo Wool Marketing Industry. A wool summit was held in October with over 135 Navajo sheep producers attending.

 

SHOWLOW CREEK WATERSHED ACTION TEAM

SHOWLOW CREEK WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT. (PLANNING) A project to plan improvements to Showlow Creek Watershed that improves agriculture and recreation opportunities. An Action Team has been formed made up of irrigation districts, home owners associations, environmental groups and city governments. The Action Team is beginning to inventory its resources.

St. JOHNS WATERSHED ACTION TEAM. (CONCEPT) Establisheda core group to bring together an Action Team to address irrigation and salinity problems.Springerville Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Office has provided technicalassistance to help focus on the cause of the problem. An Action Team is now being formed.